UNESCO supports the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex: Benin national consultation

In response to the deteriorating security situation at the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, World Heritage Property, the States Parties of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to improve the management and protection of the property through an “Initiative to support the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex”. Financed by the Norwegian government’s contribution to the World Heritage Fund, this initiative supports existing initiatives and provides for inclusive national and regional consultations in the three countries, in collaboration with key partners in securing and conserving the property.

In a move to ensure continuity of action, Benin has just completed the series of national consultations planned as part of this initiative, with the organization of the Benin national consultation in Grand-Popo on December 19 and 20, 2024. The meeting also brought together some thirty participants, including representatives from various ministries, the Political Advisor to the ECOWAS Representation in Benin, the Secretary General of the Benin National Commission for UNESCO, the Head of the MAB-UNESCO Committee in Benin, civil society players, NGOs and academics. 

Discussions underlined the key role that the Beninese components (Pendjari National Park and W Benin National Park) continue to play in preserving the key attributes of the property’s Outstanding Universal Value, notably due to the continued presence in the field of the management authorities supported by the national defense and security forces, despite the difficult situation and the many casualties.

To this end, two key recommendations were formulated, along with a roadmap of urgent actions to be taken in order to draw up the Regional Emergency Plan for the whole property.